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ABC Keystone Newsletter • Issue 2 • 2017 ABC Craft Professionals AND THE Future of the Industry he Construction Industry recently Construction Co., Inc. (Carpentry); Jared gained 54 skilled craftspeople, McCoy, Haller Enterprises, Inc. (Electrical); and ABC Keystone is honored David J. Strawser-Ortiz, J.D. Eckman, Inc. Tto have had the opportunity to (Heavy Equipment Operator); and Robert provide them with apprenticeship training. C. Ulrich, Haller Enterprises (HVAC). 2017 High Achiever Award recipients (left to right): David Beitman, H.B. McClure Company This year’s Apprenticeship Graduation (Plumbing); Harry J. Feltenberger, Frey Lutz Corp. (Sheet Metal); Heidi Brady, Wohlsen Construction & Craft Professionals of the Year Awards The ualityq of the Keystone Company, Chair 2017 Apprenticeship & Craft Training Committee; Jared McCoy, Haller Enterprises, Program was held on May 24, in Columbia, Apprenticeship Program is shown through Inc. (Electrical); David J. Strawser-Ortiz, J.D. Eckman, Inc. (HEO); Jonathan Leaman, Benchmark and featured Chuck Goodrich, ABC the dedication of the instructors. Each year, Construction Co., Inc. (Carpentry). Not pictured: Robert C. Ulrich, Haller Enterprises, Inc. (HVAC) National Chair, of Gaylor Electric, Inc., the Instructor of the Year Award is presented Noblesville, IN. Six trades were represented, at Graduation to an individual who is the Craft Professionals of the Year Thank you to the sponsors, instructors, including the first graduating class of the chosen based in part on student reviews Awards at this year’s event. This was the Apprenticeship and Craft Training new Heavy Equipment Operator program. and classroom observations by staff and inaugural year for this awards program Committee, the Apprenticeship & Training committee members. This year’s recipient through the Keystone Chapter, and Trust Trustees, the graduates and their All of the 2017 graduates represent the was Ralph “Homer” Kautz, Carpentry eagle trophies were presented to two companies and families for a wonderful future of the industry, and their dedication Level 2 Instructor, Wohlsen Construction well-deserving recipients: Charles P. evening. “It is an honor and pleasure to and high-level abilities were evident as Company. Ralph’s commitment to the Bowman, the Witmer Group (Exterior be part of the apprenticeship program, multiple apprentices received recognition apprenticeship program is evident by his Veneers); and Larry Woodfin, Wohlsen and especially Graduation, where we for perfect attendance and top grades. The passion for sharing his knowledge and skill. Construction Company (Carpentry). celebrate the graduates' accomplishments. following six students were awarded the These two men are fine examples to the Congratulations to all 54 graduates, and High Achiever designation: David Beitman, The future holds many growth and recent graduates as they both represent we wish you all the best in your future H.B. McClure Company (Plumbing); Harry achievement opportunities for the the level of accomplishment and skill endeavors,” Cindy DeWire, Director J. Feltenberger, Frey Lutz Corp. (Sheet graduates. Highlighting this potential obtainable in a craft professional’s future. of Apprenticeship, ABC Keystone. Metal); Jonathan Leaman, Benchmark for success was the presentation of Off and Running lame it on the 24-hour (SRCC), targeting Senate districts in play news cycle or on our in 2016, and helping to deliver Republicans insatiable thirst for a 34-seat “super majority.” But as long as B political turmoil. Whatever Tom Wolf is Governor, Wagner says he’ll the reason, the day the 2016 election never rest. With his self-made fortune and cycle ended, the 2018 campaign for aggressive tactics, Wagner will certainly Pennsylvania’s Governor began. be a thorn in the Governor’s side. Senator House Speaker Paul Mango Ending months and months of In January of 2017, another name began Scott Wagner Mike Turzai speculation, state Senator Scott Wagner percolating as a potential contender for (R-York) disclosed in a press interview the the Governor’s mansion. Paul Mango pro-life and would support defunding legislative record as a success in keeping day after the 2016 Presidential election built McKinsey & Co., a Pittsburgh- Title X programs, which are provided for taxes low and government small since 2001. that he intended to run for Governor. The based healthcare consulting company. A at the federal level and typically support millionaire businessman, with a family graduate of West Point and the Harvard organizations such as Planned Parenthood. Whomever walks away from the 2018 history in construction, shocked the Business School, Mango quickly recruited Republican primary will undoubtedly have Commonwealth in 2014, by becoming the some of the top political consultants in Finally, House Speaker Mike Turzai a tough road to hoe in the general election. first state elected official to win via write- Pennsylvania. His measured approach (R-Allegheny) has begun exploring a Following his protracted budget battle with in, defeating former House member Ron and collected style are in sharp contrast potential run for Governor. Turzai, who has House and Senate Republicans, Wolf’s poll Miller for a vacant Senate seat in York. to the bombastic Wagner, who once explored but never committed to running numbers were as low as 31% in 2016. But Wagner immediately began a bombastic threatened to “be sitting in the back room for Governor in the past, cites Governor recently, Pennsylvanians seemed to have and controversial run, placing blame for a with a baseball bat.” Mango points to his Wolf’s half-hearted attempt at private turned the other cheek. With his latest staid, stagnant legislature at the feet of then- financial consulting experience as a boon alcohol sales. Despite a revised licensing budget proposal highlighting significant Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi for Pennsylvania’s growing fiscal issues, structure that allows for more privatized consolidation of social services and health (R-Delaware). Wagner worked behind the citing a $44 billion pension obligation wine and beer sales, Turzai’s goal is complete agencies, Wolf’s poll numbers are now scenes, and months later, Pileggi was out, and a need to shrink state government, divestiture of the Commonwealth from mid-40%, equal to Ed Rendell months and conservative Sen. Jake Corman was in. but his philosophical platform may be alcohol sales, ostensibly allowing private before he easily won re-election in 2006. Wagner also assumed the role as head of the too far afield of the purpleish electorate. business to sell wine, beer, and distilled Senate Republican Campaign Committee Mango has stated that he is ardently spirits. Turzai also points to his conservative Letter from DONNA J. SHOFF 2017 CHAIR OF THE BOARD; PRESIDENT, H.L.WIKER, INC. America the Beautiful his is the time of year when the commemoration yearly and encourages all gratitude to our dedicated military: past, weather is finally warmer, and we Americans to display the flag outside their present, and future. Because of their bravery and T look forward to outdoor activities like homes and businesses. unselfish sacrifices, we can enjoy freedom, not picnics, swimming, hiking, and family vacations. just this time of the year, but each and every day. Summertime began with the celebration of On July 4, we celebrate Independence Day, the Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Consider displaying the American Flag those who have died while serving our nation. Independence in 1776. The first Independence proudly during patriotic holidays, or better Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day celebration took place on July 4, 1777, the yet, display the flag every day of the year. As Day, was officially proclaimed in May of 1868. year following the signing of the Declaration of you look at it with honor, take time to think There is evidence that women’s groups in the Independence. By the early 1800’s the traditions of all the blessings we have living and working South were decorating graves before the end of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established in the great nation of the United States of of the Civil War. Some call Memorial Day the as a way to celebrate America’s birthday. America. Remember the people who served, “unofficial” start to summer. and those who currently serve, our country to With all the patriotic holidays this time of make freedom possible. Never take freedom for The next patriotic holiday was Flag Day on the year, the summer season provides numerous granted. Like most worthwhile things in life, we June 14. Flag Day commemorates the adoption opportunities to show your love for our great must work hard to preserve it. of the United States flag which occurred on June country and to recognize the importance of 14, 1777. Flag Day was officially proclaimed living in a country where we are free to choose Have a safe and enjoyable summer. I hope to in 1916, and in 1949, National Flag Day was our own destiny, conduct business freely, and see you at an ABC event soon! established by Act of Congress. Since then, experience unlimited opportunities. It’s also the United States President proclaims the a great time of the year to express our sincere Thank You, ABC Keystone Safety in Numbers BY KATE MCCASLIN, ABC PRESIDENT-CEO For me, being a Leaving ABC is difficult. I have member of the ABC learned from all of you — leaders, Keystone team over members and my colleagues on staff. the past two years It is safe to say that ABC Keystone has been nothing leaders, members and staff are short of amazing. By second to none in terms of their working together as a team, dedicated professionalism and dedication to to our members and free enterprise, free enterprise and the Merit Shop. we have moved ABC forward, Experiencing Central Pennsylvania accomplishing many significant goals, has been wonderful, and I have bringing added value to our members loved every minute (well maybe not and advancing the Merit Shop cause.